Care Sheet Templates

Komodo Products - Care Guide
Leopard Gecko
Congratulations! Leopard Geckos make great pets and we’re sure you’ll enjoy each other’s company for many years to come.
Choosing the correct enclosure and equipment is an important first step. Komodo reptile products are designed to ensure your
new reptile pet gets off to a great start.
About Leopard geckos
Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius) are one of the easiest and most rewarding lizards to keep. They are native to Pakistan, Afghanistan,
Iraq, Iran, Southern Asia and parts of India, inhabiting dry, rocky deserts and grassland. Pet Leopard Geckos grow to be around 20cm - 25cm in
length and have an average lifespan of around 20 years, but some live much longer.
How to use this enclosure
This enclosure is suitable for Leopard Geckos of all ages. It is also suitable for other terrestrial gecko species, such as Fat Tailed Geckos and
Madagascan Ground Geckos.
Substrate
Komodo CaCo3 is an ideal substrate for Leopard geckos. It is made from 100% calcium carbonate, making it easier to digest if your lizard
accidentally eats it. Use a thin layer of Komodo CaCo3 sand to cover the floor of the enclosure and take out any visible waste daily. Remove all
of the substrate every 2-3 months, thoroughly clean the enclosure and replace with new CaCo3 sand.
Heating
Reptiles regulate their body temperature by moving between cooler and warmer areas. By installing the heat mat at one end of the enclosure
on the side or back wall, your lizard can choose the temperature and location that suits them best. Leopard Geckos prefer relatively cooler
temperatures ranging from 24°C (75°F) at the cool end of the enclosure and up to 32°C (90°F) in the basking area.
Control and monitoring
Check temperatures using the thermometer on the dual gauge. Komodo recommends that all heat mats are used with a suitable thermostat
such as the Komodo Dimming Thermostat. Best practice recommends placing a thermometer at both the hot end and the cool end for regular
monitoring of temperatures.
Humidity and shelter
Although Leopard Geckos like dry habitats they spend much of their time in burrows where humidity is higher. These humidity shelters can be
replicated in your enclosure by providing damp moss inside a series of shelters positioned in various areas of the terrarium. Provide lots of
foliage and vivarium furniture so that your gecko has plenty of opportunities to hide.
Lighting
Be sure to switch off any lights in the enclosure at night and ensure the room in which they are kept is dark too.
Enrichment
Add plenty of plants and shelters. These can be natural or artificial, whichever you like best. Cork bark and other vivarium furniture can be used
to make shelters and platforms.
Feeding
Pet Leopard Geckos are insectivorous, eating a live-food diet of crickets, locust and occasional wax worms. Offer food at least every other day
and be sure to dust live food with appropriate supplements such as Komodo Advanced Nutri-Cal.
Handling
After setting up your new enclosure, leave your Leopard Gecko to settle in before attempting to handle it. Once your gecko has eaten a few
meals in succession, then it is time to start handling. Offer your hands as a perch, allowing your gecko to walk from one hand to another. Never
grip your gecko tightly or restrict its movement. Leopard Geckos can drop their tail if they are stressed or threatened, and the re-grown tail is
never as nice as the original. Be aware that Leopard Geckos can, and will, jump. Holding them close to the ground is a good idea, and be sure
that your gecko cannot jump onto any dangerous surfaces. As with all animal care, thoroughly wash hands after handling or cleaning your
gecko’s enclosure.
© Komodo December 2014
www.komodoproducts.com
Komodo Products - Care guide
Leopard Gecko
In conclusion, Leopard Geckos are great companions and they are easy to care for.
Below are some timely reminders on Leopard Gecko care in the handy format of a checklist:
Leopard Gecko checklist
Daily
•
Clean and refresh water bowl
•
Check correct temperatures are being maintained
•
Spot clean any waste
•
Remove any uneaten insects
•
Visually inspect Leopard Gecko
•
Check and hydrate moss if required
•
Feed if required
•
Wash hands after servicing habitat or handling gecko
Every other Day
• Use dusting powder on food
Weekly
• Clean glass
•
Top up substrate
•
Clean any decorative rocks, plants etc
•
Physically inspect Leopard Gecko
•
Weigh Leopard Gecko and record data
Semi-Annually
• Remove and replace all substrate
NOTE: This basic wellbeing guide will help to get you started. It highlights the most important information that every Leopard gecko keeper
needs to know, but new keepers should research the husbandry needs of their animal in detail.
© Komodo December 2014
www.komodoproducts.com